Creating another fairy land

I've started working on a new piece this morning, just blocking in the background colors, but wanted to preserve some interesting patterns and color blocks to use for reference when it gets all covered up with a creamy white layer. A fairy scene will be the subject with a giant red poppy, and expansive bright sky. I'll post progress shots in bits and pieces since I like to see how certain parts evolve when they are cropped down, they become little paintings on their own.

hello again. life's business got a hold of me. it's may, and it's just like december. well, sort of. just hotter.

i'm typing in lowercase because i'm laying in bed and just don't feel like using the caps key.

ahem.

so today i'd like to show you some work by a facebook friend of mine that i've never met, but was connected through a kendall grad. melanie parke, www.melanieparke.com, has paintings that exude loveliness. pure color, bold forms and absolutely exquisite subjects. This abstract piece especially speaks to me, the color is delicate, but rich and bright. the white shapes and drips are amazing. check out her still lifes too, eye candy indeed. quick, go visit her site and check out all her great work.

Swan dream

The vision for this painting has been sitting in the back of my mind for awhile, sketches were made, many nights waking up and thinking about it. I even had the surface prepared weeks ago, but it was propped up in my studio waiting, waiting, waiting. And finally this week, I sketched it out, and painted it in about 3-4 hours.

And it reminded me of a great story about Pablo Picasso:

Some guy told Picasso he’d pay him to draw a picture on a napkin. Picasso whipped out a pen and banged out a sketch, handed it to the guy, and said, “One million dollars, please.”“A million dollars?” the guy exclaimed. “That only took you thirty seconds!”“Yes,” said Picasso. “But it took me fifty years to learn how to draw that in thirty seconds.”-from the Village Voice

I'm not quite at 50 years of learning, but it makes me think getting to that point might be more attainable!

a tale un-fold

Whales, the earth's most massive mammals, have been depicted as mysterious creatures in stories throughout history. There is a certain allure they carry about them. Occasionally, we hear in the news about how some of the populations are dwindling, or how the use of sonar is throwing them off their migrations, or even worse, hunting.

Yet finding out that these gentle giants are very social and extroverted, and that researchers have discovered that they know how to teach and learn, they scheme, cooperate and grieve and even dream. Their intelligence is definitely underestimated, and studies have shown that whales learn to avoid areas that are unsafe, and they have good memories in navigating that is beyond instinct and more closely related to making decisions.

Do you wonder? They sound a lot like us. Maybe we have more in common with the whales than we thought.

"a tale un-fold" approx. 6" x 4" mixed media on wood block

Mom's gone wild

March 4-6, 2011.

A weekend that will go down in history where my BFF from long ago (I mean really long ago!) had a girl's getaway in Austin, TX! I flew in to Dallas and we drove down to Austin, a three hour drive where by the end of the trip both of us had about lost our voices because we were talking so much, and arrived at the Four Seasons for two luxurious nights downtown. We ate a variety of local fare from Mexican (of course) and 1800 Reposado margaritas to food truck cuisine and trailer park burgers.

We even got to see Edwin McCain and Sister Hazel Saturday night at Antone's-standing room only, and we were front row! Austin is everything I've heard and more. I'd be happy to hang out in a saloon and shop retro cowboy boots any old time, I'm so glad I got to spend it with one of my favorite gals! Miss you already Di, XO !!

Bird Watching

This is the time of year is when you see all kinds of feathery fowl stopping by on their migration back north, or simply some native birds scoping out nesting areas, sitting in trees and just chirping merrily. On my way out this morning, a couple red birds were hopping around my gardenia bush and some sparrows were foraging for food in the backyard. So pretty.

Every year, I look forward to see what little bluebird or chickadee family will nest in our birdhouse in the front yard. The girls like to take a peek at the eggs and then finally, when the little ones are born, we observe the mom perched on a wire close to the birdhouse, watch and guard her little ones and fly back and forth to feed them little goodies.

And while this little story plays out in my front yard, I think about how we move in and out of buildings throughout our day, oblivious to our surroundings, ticking off to-do lists in our heads. And then a little picture flashed in my mind, that maybe some of these little birds are probably observing us too, curiously.

3x3 mixed media on wood, "one little birdie"

Learning to fly

R.A.D. (rail arts district) this past weekend was so much fun! We artists at 151 Locust were privileged to see around 1000 people come through our space to check out works of art by seven local artists presented by the Avondale Arts Alliance. It was a beautiful, warm sunny day and we enjoyed live music, delectable food from local food trucks and, of course, some great eye candy by other fellow artists in the area.

I was excited to sell many new pieces I had just created over the last couple weeks. Sometimes it's sad to see the originals go so quickly when I don't get to enjoy seeing them around the studio for awhile. But don't think I'm complaining! This recent piece, "Learning to fly" is perched on my windowsill and is guaranteed to give me some love for the time being.

Soul Blossom, thinking of happiness and love

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are charming gardeners who make our soul blossom.

-Marcel Proust

RAD Studio Cruise in Avondale Estates

(click to enlarge image)

The RAD (rail arts district) Studio Cruise is almost here and several Avondale businesses and studios have been busily preparing for over 1000 patrons to pass through our streets perusing emerging artist's works, numerous live performances and demonstrations at various locations along the CSX rail line that runs through Avondale Estates into Decatur's Laredo industrial district and all the way to Scottdale. For maps and venue information, go to www.railartsdistrict.com.

In the meantime, make sure to stop by at 151 Locust Street where the Avondale Arts Alliance presents 7 artists of varying disciplines exhibiting and selling their work. And make sure to stop by between 4-6 pm for a Valentine's Paper Making workshop by Katy DeMent, the paper lady. There will be wine and small bites available as well.

Stay tuned for individual artist profiles in the days leading up to the event.

Hope to see you there!

Arthur Rackham, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens

This month is somehow flying by and my intention was to get a lot of paintings done, including a few commissions. Yet, it's almost February and I've only barely finished one commission and there are several other pieces ready to go with sketches, but I can't seem to get started! Of course they will all get done in due time, I just feel a bit distracted I guess, and one example of procrastinating is when I rediscovered Arthur Rackham's work this week on Alponse's Room blog. Yes, I know, this blog is in Greek, but that doesn't matter because the collection of Rackham's work along with a lot of great poster work is a visual feast for the eyes. Fairies, elfs, butterflies, creepy trees-and the combination of sinister and innocence is downright amazing to say the least. Let's just say I'm inspired.

What's coming up

A few sketches done in the last couple days while hunkered down from the snow and ice. Just musing about Paris, queens and other fanciful thoughts. I've prepped some wood blocks sized 5" x 11" to bring some of these beauties to life. Now, how to pick which one to do first...?

Where sunflowers shine

A recent Christmas gift commission for a friend in the neighborhood. The recipient loves sunflowers and my friend wanted to give the gift of art this year. I really like having these kind of friends! :)

I'm off to Lake Oconee tonight for one glorious, relaxing evening away with my husband. Sort of a pre-New Year's Eve celebration since we'll be at home with the kids tomorrow night.

Happy New Year and peace to you all.

Lillibands Studio Sale

One last show for this season! I'll be at Lillibands Studio in Avondale Estates this Thursday, December 9 and 10 along with 6 other very talented artisans. There are a few ornaments left (one shown above, front/back) as well as lots of prints in 6x6" and 10x10" formats. I even cranked out a few more 5x5 blocks today and another caravan watercolor, so come on out and see me and get those last minute holiday gifts out of the way (even if it's for for you!)

But no worries, if you miss this one, just contact me at jennifer(at)jensingh.com for a studio visit through December 23!

A pair of leaves

Getting ready for the Little Tree Gallery Holiday Art Show and Sale this weekend so not much time to post much right now! Hope you come by to see me and some other fabulous artists and artisans. Saturday, Dec. 4, 10-6 and Sunday, Dec. 5, Noon-5.

Vivarium

A mixed media collage painted on a 5x5 wood block, this little terrarium is just full of miniature happiness! I received an order of new paints from Dick Blick last week and after the holiday weekend, I was finally able to really break in some of these colors. One of my faves is a turquoise green mixed with pthalo blue-so vivid and lovely. Can't you see how magical it is inside there? hehe

keeping place

As a kid, it always fascinated me out to put insects, toads, etc. in a jar, yet after awhile, it became a little creepy watching them bat around and eventually sit lethargic at the bottom of the jar. We would eventually let them go, with me left feeling sort of guilty for doing it in the first place. Yet when I was at one of my favorite antique markets awhile ago, I found butterflies mounted behind glass and was again intrigued to see these little creatures up close and in detail. I almost bought it, but somehow couldn't bring myself to do it! So instead I did this little painting on wood. It should suffice for now.

Holiday time

Feeling relatively normal today after an insane last couple of weeks. This rain is certainly helping (as well as slipping in a yoga class this morning!) But as I unpack artwork and return emails and phone calls, I'm finding that there is plenty to do around the corner. Next up is the Little Tree Gallery Holiday Show on Dec. 3 & 4. I've got to get cracking on some new work for sure, esp. some larger pieces. Along with a couple commissions, I'm sure my holidays will go by pretty quickly around here.

So I had finished 8 ornaments and sold 5 at my last two shows. Here is a peek at the first five stars, I didn't even get a chance to photograph my other 3 yet and one got out the door before I could even remember what it looked like! Sheesh, no worries though, I'll crank out a few more for the Little Tree show!

New Work

This week, two shows that I'm furiously working on getting some inventory for. "oh, Hello" (above) and "Frog Royale" -a piece you may

recognize (but new and improved!) . I'll have ornaments, more wood blocks and finally, some notecards! I'll show you pics of those as soon as they get photographed.

So here are details about the shows. The first one is called Two Birds, One Heart and is a home show in Druid Hills benefiting the Decatur Cooperative Ministry and CURE. Check out the invitation for times and directions.

And my friend Heather Pyles is having her annual holiday show in Avondale on Sunday, Nov. 14 5 pm-9 pm, 107 Dartmouth Ave., Avondale Estates.

Hope you can come to one of the shows to see new work and as well as some other fabulous creatives displaying their wares-it's officially holiday shopping season people, so come check it out!

Museum School Second grade auction projects

The last couple weeks have absolutely been insane, with classroom auction projects, auction committee duties and getting ready for three shows, I can barely keep my eyes open! Yet, it all will come quickly to an end after next weekend. The Museum School auction is on Friday, November 12th at 6 pm at Bart Webb Studios (more info at www.themuseumschool.org)

Ok, so I had to make a little plug there, only because if you can come to the auction just to see all the classroom art projects, it would be worth it! They are simply "museum" worthy and anyone would be excited to hang one of their works in their home.

Pictured above are three upcycled windows the second grade kids painted on for their project. They are currently studying oceans, and specifically the three layers of the ocean. So since we had three old windows, we divided the kids into groups to create the sunlight, twilight and midnight layers of the ocean. They really LOVED this project and I think they did a fabulous job! (top to bottom, Midnight (this one has glow in the dark paint!), Twilight, and Sunlight.

Sugar Skulls

Countdown to Halloween over here in Avondale Estates where it is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year! All the lawn decorations, ghosted signs, spirit awards, and then on hallow's eve, some of the greatest scary houses you can find! So inspired by sugar skulls, I created these 3"x 3" blocks that can be hung or just displayed on a shelf. They are very shimmery with the use of bronze acrylics and finished with a triple thick gloss finish. BOO!